[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 37 (Monday, September 19, 2005)]
[Pages 1411-1412]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7931--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2005

 September 16, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our history, America has been a land of diversity and has 
benefitted from the contributions of people of different backgrounds 
brought together by a love of liberty. During National Hispanic Heritage 
Month, we celebrate the achievements of Hispanic Americans and the 
significant role they have played in making our Nation strong, 
prosperous, and free.
    The contributions of Hispanic Americans have made a positive impact 
on every part of our society. Americans of Hispanic descent are 
astronauts and athletes, doctors and teachers, lawyers and scientists. 
The vibrancy of our Nation's Hispanic performers enriches music, 
dancing, and the arts. Hispanic Americans serve at every level of 
government, including as Attorney General of the United States and 
Secretary of Commerce. Latino entrepreneurs are starting and growing 
businesses all across America, creating jobs and opportunities. The hard 
work and determination of Hispanic Americans continue to inspire all 
those who dream of a better life for themselves and their families.
    Our Nation's Hispanic community has contributed to the advance of 
freedom abroad and to the defense of freedom at home. In every 
generation, Hispanic Americans have served valiantly in the United 
States military. Today there are more than 200,000 Hispanic Americans 
serving in the Armed Forces, and our Nation is grateful for their 
courage and sacrifice. In addition, thousands of Hispanic Americans are 
helping to defend and protect our homeland by serving as police officers 
and firefighters. All Americans are thankful for their daily work in 
helping to keep our Nation safe.
    During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we join together to 
recognize the proud history and rich culture of Hispanic Americans. To 
honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress, by Public 
Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to 
issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 
15 as ``National Hispanic Heritage Month.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2005, as 
National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, 
educators, librarians, and all the people of the

[[Page 1412]]

United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, 
activities, and programs.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
20, 2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 21.